From hair to despair: Manchester United fan's trim delayed by West Ham draw
Frank Ilett, better known as the “United Strand", has become a social media sensation for his commitment to Manchester United.
Image: Instagram/The United Strand
The Manchester United fan who, last October, vowed not to cut his hair until the team achieved five consecutive wins will have to continue his promise. This is after the team's 1-1 draw against West Ham on Tuesday, February 10, ended their winning run.
The fan, Frank Ilett, better known online as the “United Strand”, began his viral “no win, no trim” challenge in February 2024.
He has pledged not to visit a barber until Manchester United achieves five wins in a row, a streak that the club has not managed since then.
Entering the match at the London Stadium, United had won four consecutive games under interim manager Michael Carrick. A fifth win would have allowed Ilett to finally cut his hair.
The team came close, but a 96th-minute equaliser from Benjamin Šeško denied them the victory, ending the winning streak and forcing Ilett to continue his commitment.
Ilett shared the experience with fans on the live stream platform Kick, wearing a retro Red Devils shirt as his hair continued to grow. After a goalless first half, Tomas Soucek put West Ham ahead in the 50th minute, putting United on the back foot.
The remainder of the match saw a tense battle in the final 40 minutes plus stoppage time. Šeško’s late goal brought the score level, but it was not enough to secure the fifth consecutive win needed for Ilett to visit a barber.
The draw, while providing a point for United, was a disappointment for Ilett. He will now have to wait until at least March 20 before he has a chance to cut his hair, assuming the team secures the required string of victories.
To complete his challenge, United must defeat Everton, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Bournemouth. If the team succeeds without interruption, Ilett could reach the 531st day of his commitment before finally visiting the barber.
Beyond the personal challenge, Ilett’s campaign supports charitable causes.
He is raising funds for the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides free wigs made from real hair to children and young people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other medical conditions.
In addition, he donates a portion of the income he earns from social media advertisements to Mind UK, a charity supporting mental health.